BMW 5-Series Touring 525d SE 5d (2004/04) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Not cheap, easy to rack up another few grand from the options list, but better value than it's cousin and rival from Stuttgart.
Costs
Fixed price dealer servicing 5 year option beginning to look like poor value due to huge service intervals, however only cost to date is fuel (and not mych of that so far).
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On the road
Driving
Superb ride on a long motorway haul, but doesn't disappoint during a blast through the twisty stuff. Haven't found anything better in this size of car.
Performance
Engine is exceptionally refined until you get towards the top end. No discernable dieselness from within the cabin. Torque is impressive, but let the rev's drop below 2k and you'll be waiting for the turbo - however, it's worth waiting for.
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Living with it
Reliability
14 months on and the only fault (apart from the alarm) is some difficulty getting the caps off the tyre valves !
Image
The styling is classy although the badge is devalued by the number of 3-series hogging the outside lanes these days.Many people agree that the ""Dame Edna"" headlights are more like Oakley wrap-arounds - turns heads - pretty cool for an exec family wagon.
Comfort
Very spacious for all 5 occupants, however more adjustment on sports seats would be handy. Not class leading, but not far off. No numb bums after a long journey though.
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Security and Service
Security
So far so good, although the alarm has one of those annoying habits of going off for absolutely no reason at all. Dealer can't find anything wrong, although the neighbours are fairly patient and understanding so far.
Service
Top quality - no problems, very courteous and always keen to help. Sometime wish things went wrong more so I could test more of the range of courtesy cars although I haven't managed to wangle a 645i . . .yet .
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
None.
Other
Manufacturers recall & jumpy alarm.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
New
Would you buy the same model again?
No
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes